Building a new high rise, shopping mall or factory is a complicated effort. Construction managers supervise these projects, make decisions about daily operations and keep costs within budget.
Constructions managers represent the building owner or developer and coordinate the entire constructi ...
on process. They decide on construction methods and labor requirements, hire contractors, create schedules and make cost estimates.
They are responsible for obtaining the necessary permits and licenses. Large scale projects may have a team of construction managers, with each manager responsible for a specific aspect of the project.
Traditionally, construction managers come from the ranks of people with many years' experience in construction crafts, like carpenters, masons, or electricians. They should have experience in contracts, plans, specifications and rules and regulations. Computer skills are essential. Many large firms hire manager with both industry experience and a degree in building science or construction management.
Construction managers often work long hours and must be "on call" at all times to deal with emergencies. They have to work well with many different people and perform under pressure when emergencies and delays threaten the completion of a project.
Becoming a construction manager is a good move up for an experienced person in the construction industry who wants additional challenges and rewards.
SNAPSHOT
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Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.
Leadership
HIGH
Critical decision making
HIGH
Level of responsibilities
HIGH
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines
MED
Dealing and handling conflict
LOW
Competition for this position
HIGH
Communication with others
HIGH
Work closely with team members, clients etc.
HIGH
Comfort of the work setting
HIGH
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions
LOW
Exposure to job hazards
LOW
Physical demands
LOW
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DAILY TASKS
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Obtain all necessary permits and licenses.
Investigate damage, accidents, or delays at construction sites, to ensure that proper procedures are being carried out.
Inspect or review projects to monitor compliance with building and safety codes, or other regulations.
Determine labor requirements for dispatching workers to construction sites.
Take actions to deal with the results of delays, bad weather, or emergencies at construction site.
Develop or implement quality control programs.
Prepare contracts and negotiate revisions, changes and additions to contractual agreements with architects, consultants, clients, suppliers and subcontractors.
Study job specifications to determine appropriate construction methods.
Prepare and submit budget estimates, progress reports, or cost tracking reports.
Evaluate construction methods and determine cost-effectiveness of plans, using computers.
Direct and supervise workers.
MAIN ACTIVITIES
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Scheduling Work and Activities
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Interacting With Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE
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Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
KEY ABILITIES
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Far Vision
The ability to see details at a distance.
TOP SKILLS
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Time Management
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Management of Personnel Resources
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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